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This past weekend, I had a really unique opportunity to compete in a local Crossfit style competition with my 13 year old daughter as my partner. During the competition I had some time to really reflect on how important CrossFit has become to both of us and why I think that CrossFit is for kids.
First, a little background….I’ve always loved working out.
I’m very dedicated to the point of being obsessive with my exercise. It just makes me feel like I’m accomplishing something and doing my best to stay healthy for my family. About a year and a half ago, I was searching for something new because my workout routine was getting boring and I wasn’t getting the results I was looking for. I stumbled upon CrossFit, and like many people that try it, I was hooked. My daughter, Ashley, also shares my appreciation for working out. She was previously involved with gymnastics, and has always liked being active.
After Ashley heard me talking more about CrossFit, she asked if she could start going too.
To me, this was a really great idea….we get to spend more time together, and also increase our fitness together. My only concern was whether she would enjoy CrossFit, if it was safe for her to do, and also whether she would be consistent with it. So, I got on the phone and called my local Crossfit affiliate…Fallbrook Crossfit. They were very open to the idea of Ashley (12 at the time) getting started in Crossfit.
Over the past year and a half, we have become completely fascinated with the idea of getting fitter and learning new skills everyday.
On most all weekdays, we wake up at 5am so we can get ready in time to attend the 6am class. I never have to badger Ashley to wake up…she happily wakes up and gets ready right away. This to me is a very unique quality for a teenager. She has an internal drive to her that is very hard to find. We generally attend 5 hour long classes a week, go to the open gym for a couple hours on Saturday, and many weeks we take a couple hour long private lessons to improve our skills.
Since we started Crossfit, we have done a lot of traveling.
In fact, on every vacation, we drop in at a local “box” (that’s what we call a CrossFit gym). We’ve been to 13 different facilities. The coaches are always very impressed on how good Ashley is, and her dedication. This is a direct result of Ashley’s work ethic and the excellent coaching we receive at Fallbrook Crossfit on a daily basis. We also attended the Crossfit Games in Carson, CA this past year. And, we both took the Crossfit Level 1 Coaching certification class over a weekend in Las Vegas last summer. We’ve made CrossFit a part of our lifestyle, more than just how we stay fit.
Fast forward to this past weekend… our box hosted a partner competition put on by the California Affiliate League. Teams could be co-ed or same gender. There were 3 categories….scaled, intermediate, or advanced. We thought it would be a unique opportunity to make our own team….father and daughter, and have some fun. I never even considered the idea that I would be able to compete on a team with my daughter in any type of athletic competition, so this was very exciting to both of us.
The workouts were challenging as they were setup for adults….not kids/teenagers. This generally translates to some heavy weights and advanced skills. We competed in the Intermediate category.
The weeks leading up to the competition were exciting. We practiced all the workouts a few times, and tried to be as prepared as possible. There were challenging weights and movements for each of us in the competition workouts, so it was a great way to push our own limits.
On the day of the competition, we had a blast.
Ashley lifted more weight than she was able to pull off in practice. Our workout times were also much better on competition day then they were when we practiced. I guess we must of have been pretty pumped up to perform. Many of the spectators and fellow competitors were shocked at how well Ashley performed. This stuff is not easy!
Out of 15 teams in the intermediate category, we placed 13th overall. Of the 4 workouts, we placed 15th, 8th, 13th, and 8th. So, you could say that it wasn’t a great finish, but I feel otherwise. We were competing against some excellent adult athlete teams that were in prime physical condition.
But what was even more important was that we both had a great time.
For many that do not know what Crossfit is about, they might not agree with a 13 year old girl doing this type of exercise. I wholeheartedly disagree with that sentiment. Ashley has gained so much as a result of her Crossfit journey. Her physical fitness is truly off the charts, and it will only improve. She can lift weights (very heavy ones), and she performs varying functional movements on a daily basis. Crossfit is different everyday which prepares your body in amazing ways. She also has realized the importance of proper nutrition. She has made the connection between fueling your body the right way and increased physical performance. She has a healthy relationship with eating…..an area in which too many teenage girls struggle due to society pressures. She loves eating healthy foods, skips the junk food and soda, and doesn’t even care about what the scale says because we never use one. As a result, she is extremely healthy and has a developed a tremendous amount of confidence as a direct result.
CrossFit is also built on a community of support. Ashley has a whole group of people that support each other and want to help each other succeed and meet their goals. It teaches young people that dedication and hard work pay off. The instructors are very well trained and with proper supervision and teaching it is safe and a smart way to encourage fitness.
As you can probably tell, I’m thrilled that my daughter and I can share a hobby like this together. I would definitely recommend that all children consider CrossFit…. just make sure you do it with them!
I’ve tried crossfit and it’s not for most adults I know, so that must be one heck of a kid you have there.
As a big workout-a-holic myself, I am an advocate for kids keeping active too! I think weight training should only be for older kids (mine are still little) but anything to keep them moving!
This is so cool. It’s awesome that you can work on your fitness as a family and practice for the competitions. It’s great that Ashley is doing so well!
I have heard a lot about Crossfit. It’s always fun to have activities you can do as a family to keep in shape.
Oh wow, your daughter is in super shape! I don’t think I’ve ever been in that kind of shape in my entire life. Good for her!
Your daughter is such an inspiration. I’ve been thinking about giving Cross Fit a try, and these pictures of your daughter tearing it up have lit a fire in me!
This looks like a great way to encourage healthy lifestyle. Fitness programs are really for all age groups.
Crossfit is no joke. I think it’s a great way to stay in shape and can be adapted for kids too.
WOW she is strong! That weight I would fall over or my arms would die (one or the other LOL). I am hoping my son will want to exercise with us as he gets older.
Anytime you improve your personal best, you’re a winner regardless of where you fall in the stats. Sometimes those numbers are a matter of luck or chance. Congratulations to both you and Ashley. CrossFit sounds like an excellent match in your family.
You have such an amazing daughter. I am happy that she loves what she’s doing and I know she will accomplish much. Don’t worry about the numbers. As the saying goes – “You are not your stats.”
We haven’t tried it, but there is a cross-fit gym near our home and we’ve watched them sometimes. My son is amazed at some of the things they do! Your daughter is very good at it!
I am so impressed with the fact that your daughter is willing to get up early and eager to go to Crossfit. I believe that if children become active in something, whether its sports, band, clubs or whatever, it gives them a sense of belonging and really benefits them as they get older.
I think this is wonderful. We should challenge our kids and encourage them to adopt healthy lifestyles. I think it is great that you have included your daughter in this when so many other kids are glued to their phones.
It sounds like Ashley is quite the athlete. It is great that you both can do this together!
I think whatever the activity, it’s great to get kids thinking about being fit and staying healthy. Motivating them young is a sure way to empower them with skills to make that a lifelong quest.
This is amazing to be able to do together. It is never to early to get kids into exercising. You Daughter looks like she did very well.
I would love to be able to get into Crossfit with my girls when they get older. It would be a great thing to bond with them over.
I was just watching the Crossfit nationals on TV and wow are they amazing! She is so Amazing im so impressed I was totally under the impression that it was not idea for Kids to weight lift at an early age? Thank you for sharing.
Wow. That is so cool! I have always been interested in Crossfit. I think my daughter would love it, too!
Crossfit was really a serious thing. I love to try crossfit but i am afraid to try this. Your daughter was have a great body shape.
Wow, your kids are inspiring. We don’t have crossfit here in our area but it is very inspiring to see your family keeping fit.
I am glad that Ashley is enjoying this. I admire her dedication. Most kids would rather stay at home sleeping or playing on the computer.
there is a crossfit here in boca and everytime i ride by i notice how amazing everyone looks. this is an awesome way to get fit.
That really is exciting. What a fun way to bond!
Wow! Your daughter rocks. I’ve never tried crossfit. I’ve read about it before though. Will take a look at it. Sounds great!
It’s great that you found something that you can bond with your child. I love how dedicated she is!
That is pretty impressive that your daughter can do deadlifts at her age. We are a gym family as well and hope our kids follow our passion at the age of 13.
I think it’s great that your daughter is getting involved with you. It’s not only teaching a healthy active lifestyle, but great bonding as well! Good for you!
What a stud she is! I love working out with my family, but haven’t tried CrossFit with the kiddos yet. I’m thinking they’ll love it.
wow.. your daughter is very strong! Good for her and your husband! I can’t wait to try Cross Fit
I think it’s nice that you can do something with your daughter that you both enjoy. I have heard that crossfit boxes are a really tight community.
I have heard nothing but good things about cross fit. Congrats to your daughter for doing such an excellent job on weight lifting. That looked so heavy.
This is awesome. I can’t wait for my daughter to become old enough to go to the gym with me.
I love that you are getting your children involved in your fitness journey. Mine love working out with me as well, and now that we are eating healthier they are on board with that, too.
I would love for you to link this post up at my Fitness Friday link-up tomorrow:
I have not tried Crossfit. I have some close friends that love it, but haven’t tried it myself.
I think it’s awesome that your daughter does Crossfit with you!! I wish I was that motivated when I was her age!!
That’s really awesome. It’s nice to know that your daughter enjoys being fit. And you’re right it’s a good way to spend time together and become closer.
What a great way to bond with your daughter and promote a healthy lifestyle. This is a wonderful inspiration.
Wow, that is so awesome! Your daughter is so strong! I’ve got to try this with my oldest. =)
This is a great idea getting kids involved as well! My daughter loves to work out when I do.
I am seriously impressed by the mere fact your daughter wakes up at 5AM to train!
And it is nice that the two of you have something this important to share together.
I do keep hearing about CrossFit and am curious about it.
Awesome job guys! My nephew is in cross fit – but he is also a wrestler, so he does this for strength training. He is 15 and in AMAZING shape and I agree with you. His outlook is on health and he is highly motivated to keep in shape and eat properly. I don’t know a lot of teenagers who know exactly what it is they are putting in their bodies!
Oh wow! Crossfit is a pretty intense training and it’s so amazing to that you’re daughter’s into it. She looks amazing and very pretty too.
Wow your daughter was really amazing. She do the crossfit and she is on the great shape.
Crossfit is one of those stuff that are not meant for everyone. YOu have to be physically and mentally ready for the challenge.
How exciting for you to be able to participate in this. I think crossfit should be for kids as well. My grandkids are so active in everything and I’m sure they’d love this too.
I like the idea of getting kids moving. I think kids would like crossfit bc it’s challenging.
There are a ton of benefits of CrossFit for kids. Healthy advantages all around and something kids can look forward to!
There are lots of benefits to doing crossfit. I think it’s great to do it together as a family! It is encouraging.